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Stroke

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when one of the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the brain either becomes clogged or bursts. When this happens, the nerve cells in the affected part of the brain can't function. As a result, whatever body part those nerve cells control will be impaired as well.

Visit our Health Library for more information about stroke, including risk factors and warning signs.

New York State Designated Stroke Centers

Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, and Sisters of Charity Hospital have all been named Designated Stroke Centers by the New York State Department of Health.

In most cases, patients admitted to Designated Stroke Centers:

  • Are seen by a physician within 15 minutes of arrival in the ER
  • Receive a CT scan within 25 minutes
  • Receive CT results and lab results in 45 minutes
  • Receive clot-busting drugs within 60 minutes of arrival or three hours of symptom onset

Other Treatment Facilities

In addition to our three Designated Stroke Centers, our Buffalo area stroke treatment facilities include Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus and Mercy Ambulatory Care Center.

By circling the Buffalo region with high quality stroke services, Catholic Health hopes to make a significant impact on one of the leading causes of death and disability in the area.

Catholic Health is the only local health provider with comprehensive stroke services at multiple locations throughout the area.

Convenient Recovery Centers

As a Catholic Health patient, you'll have access to Continuing Care services, such as the medical rehabilitation units within Mercy Hospital and Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and short and long term nursing care, should you require living assistance during or after your recovery. Click here for more information about stroke rehabilitation.

The three Designated Stroke Centers of Catholic Health (red crosses) and two other facilities capable of treating stroke patients (blue tacks). Click the icons for directions.

More Information

For information about Catholic Health's stroke services, call HealthConnection at (716) 447-6205, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.